Fire Breaks and Ignition Techniques Belize Fire Workshop Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area Scott Simon

Firebreaks session objectives Describe types of firebreaks Describe principles of firebreak location Describe factors in firebreak width Describe need for accessibility Describe hazard minimization techniques Describe principles of burning out

Hard firebreaks High environmental impact (equipment) To mineral soil - more secure Sometimes difficult to patrol Potential invasive species colonization. Rehabilitate lines where possible to preclude invasive species

Soft firebreaks Low environmental impact (hand tools) Sometimes less secure because fuel still in line Sometimes requires additional holding - wetlining, organic, roots

Existing Barriers and Natural Firebreaks Roads and fields Rivers Lakes Bluffs Principles of Firebreak Location Establish Safe Anchor Points

Principles of Firebreak Location Make the line as short and straight as possible Avoid undercut lines and sharp corners

Confirm Accessibility of Firebreaks Firebreak width Dependent on unit fuels, adjacent fuels, and hazards Rule of thumb - break width should be 2-3 times the height of the flanking fire. Confirm Accessibility of Firebreaks *Personnel With PPE Equipment Under burn conditions

Principles of Burning Out Missed one Going to need to do the firebreak preparation work sometime. You choose when you want to do it. Setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel and create a black-line. Used to strengthen existing firelines without creating new ones. Need appropriate weather and ample time.

Ignition Techniques Objectives Describe considerations important for successful ignition Describe the use, advantages, and disadvantages of ignition techniques Describe the use, advantages, and disadvantages of ignition methods Describe the combination of various ignition techniques and methods to achieve fire management objectives

Ignition Considerations Desired fire behavior Topography Wind changes through the predicted burn period Crew safety Firing methods Smoke management

Ignition Techniques Back fire Strip fire Spot fire Flank fire Ring fire Head fire

Back Firing Where Used: Understory Burning, Heavy Fuels, Near Control Line, Smoke Sensitive Areas. Advantages: Low Intensity, Low Scorch, Minimal Spotting Potential, High Consumption. Disadvantages: Slow, Poor Dispersion.

Strip Head Firing Where Used: Large Units, Shrublands, Grasslands. Advantages: Fast, Flexible, Can Adjust Intensity. Disadvantages: Requires Access to the Unit, Fires Will Interact.

Spot Head Firing Where To Use: Large Units, Units With Dispersed Fuels, Understory Burns. Advantages: Fast, Intensity Highly Adjustable, Variable Fire Behavior. Disadvantages: Need Access to the Unit.

Flank Firing Where Used: Shrublands, Light Fuels. Advantages: FL Between Backing and Head Fire Behavior, Easily Modified. Disadvantages: Susceptible to Wind Shifts, Requires Experience Firing Personnel.

Ring Firing Where Used: Shrublands, Grasslands, Brush Piles, Clearcuts. Advantages: Fast, Excellent Smoke Dispersal, Very High Intensity, Good Draw. Disadvantages: Strong Convection Column May Develop, Spotting Potential May be High.

Head Firing Where Used: Large Units, Shrublands, In Communities with Light Fuels. Advantages: Fast, Inexpensive, Good Smoke Dispersal. Disadvantages: High Intensity, Greater Spotting Potential, Larger Volume of Smoke Generated.

Ignition Techniques

IGNITION METHODS

You can achieve burn objectives by selecting appropriate ignition techniques and methods Bottom line. It saves money. Questions?